Another crossroads

I find myself between jobs once more. Another opportunity to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. Along the way, I have at least figured out what I do not want to do. I have enough experience under my belt to know what trade-offs I am willing to make in my career.

I do not concern myself with having an important title or making a large salary. Moving up the corporate ladder was never a career goal of mine. I prefer to be valued for the skills I bring as a communicator than for my upper management potential. And prudence has kept my husband and me financially secure. I want to be paid a fair wage for my skills, but I can take a lower salary for the right situation.

But what exactly is the right situation?

I am leaning toward the health care industry, but am open to other organizations that care about people. I insist on working in a friendly environment. Life is too short to spend most of my waking hours in a cold or indifferent workplace.

Am I going to be strong enough to truly search for the right situation, instead of just another job? I believe the key is with my interviewing skills. I have worked on presenting my abilities and myself in the best light for a potential employer. It’s time I also worked on interviewing the employer more thoroughly—not just on the position, but the environment and the culture. I need to be more alert to possible red flags (like continued questioning about how I handle working with difficult people…).

Suitable positions are out there. I just need to take my time and find one. I have exceptional skills to offer and a willingness to contribute to the success of my employer. All I ask is for a positive environment and a decent wage.